An Essencist Assessment of the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Educational Development in Nigeria

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education worldwide, offering new opportunities for personalized learning, efficiency in administration, and enhanced teaching methodologies. However, in Nigeria, the integration of AI into the educational sector raises philosophical, infrastructural, ethical, and socio-cultural questions. This paper examines AI’s impact on educational development in Nigeria through the lens of Essencism, a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the intrinsic nature of learning as an intellectual and moral process. The research adopted the qualitative method and collected data from existing literature such as textbooks, journals and other relevant materials. The study explores AI’s potential to enhance accessibility, bridge learning gaps, and support personalized education while critically assessing its limitations, including algorithmic bias, teacher displacement concerns, and infrastructural challenges. Furthermore, the paper addresses the governance of AI in Nigeria’s educational sector, analyzing the absence of clear policies, the implications of data privacy regulations, and the role of international organizations such as UNESCO in shaping AI adoption. It also discusses ethical considerations, particularly how AI affects traditional learning methods, cultural values, and the role of teachers in an AI-driven educational environment. The socio-cultural impacts of AI on Nigeria’s education system are explored, highlighting concerns about the depersonalization of learning and the risk of eroding Indigenous knowledge. Through an Essencist assessment, this paper argues that while AI presents opportunities for educational advancement, its integration must align with the essence of learning—critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and intellectual development. The study concludes that strategic policies, sustainable AI investments, and culturally sensitive approaches are essential for maximizing AI’s benefits while preserving the core values of education in Nigeria.